22.09.2009 23:59
Márquez makes 150th league appearance
www.fcbarcelona.cat
Rafa Marquez reached his 150th league game with Barça on Tuesday evening in the Sardinero. He’s now in his seventh season at the Club and has scored eight goals in the domestic competition.
Rafa Márquez is easing his way back into the team after his latest injury. He came on for the final
quarter of an hour against Atlético Madrid and stretched that to 35 minutes against Racing. At the
same time he chalked up his 150th league appearance.
Marquez came on when the score line stood at 0-3 and paired up with
Puyol in the centre of defence. He made a solid contribution, regaining possession six times and
completing 36 passes out of 39.
A key player for Guardiola
Pep Guardiola revealed after the match that he had already made up his mind to give Marquez
more time in order to regain match fitness. He defined the Mexican as “a very necessary
player in such a busy season”.
A defender for Barça'
The “Kaiser of Michoacán” joined Barça in 2003 from Monaco,
where he was considered one of the best players in his position in the French league. He quickly
earned a place in central defence though injuries to Motta and Edmílson in the 2004/05 season
prompted Frank Rijkaard to move him into midfield. He played more league games that season (34) and
scored more goals (3) than in any other.
Márquez returned to his defensive role after that season though he continues to combine
defensive solidity with an ability to bring the ball out from defence. Injury permitting, he has
been a regular in the team, playing a total of 221 matches and scoring 12 goals.